People going into this expecting Kubrick’s cold, detached tone from his THE SHINING are going to be disappointed. Those that know and like Flanagan’s work, however, will be very pleased. 

Flanagan manages to thread a very fine needle by adapting a book about Danny Torrence, recovering alcoholic who is following in his father’s footsteps in spite of himself, while also making a sequel to one of the most beloved horror films ever made. The attention to detail in recreating certain sets is absolutely breathtaking. There are some key changes that Kubrick made when he adapted THE SHINING, and Flanagan managed to address them and incorporate them in a way that honors the legacy of Kubrick’s movie and the heart of King’s book.

Flanagan is the perfect person to adapt King because all of Flanagan’s movies, in spite of the darkness and gore and trauma, have the same warmth and heart to them. Love is at the center of both of their works, and that love shines through all the brighter when surrounded by darkness. With this, he managed to successfully marry King’s story of recovery and healing with Kubrick’s bleak take on self destruction and pain.